By JAMES ALLEN Staff writer

Published 1:00 am, Thursday, September 17, 2009

BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa senior quarterback Mark Seager, when asked what his thoughts were regarding his team's game tonight visiting Shenendehowa, offered the following succinct comments about the game: "Rivalry, toughness and a lot of anticipation — and a really good game."

Ballston Spa began playing Shenendehowa after shifting to Class AA and with the advent of classification play.

Gridiron history between the schools may be brief, but it already is storied.

In a three-week span in 2008, Shenendehowa beat the Scotties on a late kickoff return by Tyler Dehmer, and Ballston Spa defeated the Plainsmen in a crossover game.

The Scotties (2-0) and Plainsmen (2-0) clash tonight in the opener of the Empire Division schedule at 7.

"Losing the way we did last year stung," Ballston Spa coach John Bowen said of his squad's 45-41 setback. "It is just piece of the puzzle that has become Ballston Spa-Shen. It is exciting and we have two teams with different strengths."

"Every time we meet, we really bring it and put on a show," said Seager, who along with Shen senior quarterback Andrew Kalish is playing in his fourth game in the budding rivalry.

"I expect this will be a game like the last few times," Kalish said. "I know the first one (last year) got under their skin a little bit and the second one got under our skin a little bit."

Ballston Spa has breezed to easy wins over Columbia (42-0) and Bethlehem (61-13). The Plainsmen have knocked off Shaker (27-14) and Schenectady (28-27).

Tonight's contest carries huge playoff implications as both teams, along with Saratoga Springs, all covet the No. 1 playoff seed from the Empire Division.

Beating a rival to achieve victory No. 1 in the division is a great place to start. "We have to come out focused and ready," Seager said. "They are big and physical."

"Any time we play Ballston Spa, it is a big game and something we take very seriously," Kalish said. "I know they feel the same way."